In a bid to save money Surrey County Council is following a number of other councils and turning off about half of its street lights overnight. The announcement has been made, but which lights will be switched off has yet to be determined. For the five hours between midnight and 5am some 30,000 lights will be turned off after 1 October.  An additional 12,000 will follow in December or January.

The Council hopes to save up to £240,000 in the current financial year, and probably double that in a full year. A spokesman said:

” Due to the ever-increasing demand for our services coupled with a reduction in government funding, we are exploring the possibility of switching off some of the street lights in quiet areas with low amounts of traffic in the early hours of the morning. All roads being considered will be risk-assessed and discussed with partners before any decisions are made and these will be communicated to any residents affected in advance.”

A report last year from the Local Government Association, which represents councils across the country, revealed reduced street lighting did not increase crime or car accidents. However, the measure has been criticized by opposition councillors who say the plan endangers residents. Cllr Nick Harrison representing Nork & Tattenhams said: “Local councillors have not yet been consulted, so there is a little chance yet for the public to make their views known. I’m sure many residents will be concerned about this reduction in service, particularly as the policy in our borough have moved out of Banstead and down to Reigate, and the number of police on patrol have dropped.”

Can the Council legally turn off the street lights?

Yes. There is no statutory requirement on local authorities in the UK to provide street lighting. The Highways Act  empowers local authorities to light road but does not place a duty to do so.

What are other Councils doing?

Many authorities have introduced similar part night lighting schemes successfully, without adverse effects and have made significant savings.

Will Council Tax be reduced?

No, there will not be a reduction in Council Tax as a result of this programme. There are increasing pressures on the Council’s funding and as with most public sector organisations, we continually need to reduce costs.

What about crime?

Lights will not be switched off in roads where Surrey Police raise concerns about the potential effect on crime.

What about Road Safety?

Lights will not be switched off on busy roads. In other roads, lights will not be switched off if the Council’s Road Safety Team or Surrey Police raise concerns about the potential impact on Road Safety.

– Nick Harrison –


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